Southern California -- this just in

'Civic Center slapper' may have struck again, police say

February 2, 2012 | 4:14
pm

He is known as the "Civic Center Slapper" but Los Angeles police said he also packs quite a punch -- as an unsuspecting attorney reportedly found out last week.

The 51-year-old victim, an assistant U.S. attorney who was not identified, was walking near the downtown federal court at Aliso and Alameda streets about 6:15 p.m. last Friday when he was punched in the jaw by a man who approached him from the opposite direction, LAPD Lt. Paul Vernon said.

The assailant is believed to be the man who is responsible for two other attacks in the downtown area.

Police said the assailant has a medium build and facial hair best described as a “five o’clock shadow.” He also was wearing a white knit cap and a white sweater.

“This could be the outstanding Civic Center Slapper from the other incidents, or an altogether different person,” Vernon said.

“I recommend that people walk in pairs, don’t text or talk on phones as they walk, and create distance as strangers approach.”

The assault is the latest unprovoked attack.

On Jan. 20, LAPD officers arrested a man identified as Jermaine Moran after four victims identified him as their assailant.

Two other victims described a more clean-shaven man including one who slapped her in the face while crossing Main Street at 3rd Street.

“We know the suspect is not Jermaine Moran because he is still in custody on four other charges related to slapping people,” said Vernon.

“So we know we have at least one other man doing the same thing, and it appears he’s struck again.”